I am thinking that I would like to replace our kitchen set with something a bit more comfortable. Right now we have something very similar to this:

It doesn't work for us. We want to be able to accomodate more than 4 people (ideally 8-10) without having to use the dining room. The glass top is a nightmare when the kids are around, and scratches from use.
I was thinking what I would like is a long wooden table, and I was thinking of using upholstered benches with a low back along the sides, and a chair at each end. Thoughts? I really want this to be a table that we can have the kidlets at for colouring, homework, crafts, etc and not worry about it getting damaged...but b/c it's open to the main floor it has to look nice and not purely utilitarian.
Re: How practical is this?
Sounds great. I've seen some great sets that have a bench on one side and chairs on the other side but benches on both sides would work too.
This set from Dufresne's is what I think about when you said long table. This set has chairs but you could get a custom bench.
http://www.dufresne.ca/shop/view/category/Dining-Room/group/Formal/product/1385969Khttp://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B002IM3XHA/sr=1-22/qid=1251237233/ref=sr_1_22/192-0200842-7937440?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=398361011
All good points ladies, thanks for the feedback, and the links. I'm gonna give this one a bit more thought.